Tinubu promises new national wage, closing inequality gaps in new year message

In his New Year nationwide address aired on January 1, 2024, President Bola Tinubu promised Nigerians a new lease of life, assuring them he is not oblivious to their untold hardships.

“We will work diligently,” Mr Tinubu said, to ensure every Nigerian feels their government’s impact. He warned his appointees that “there is no excuse for poor performance.”

The Nigerian leader pledged that his government would implement “a new national living wage for industrious workers.”

“It gives me immense pleasure to welcome all of you to a brand new year, 2024,” Mr Tinubu told Nigerians in the national broadcast.

The president admitted that 2023 was a “very challenging year” but claimed that the presidential election that produced him was “peaceful and orderly.”

He insisted that the “gracious people of Nigeria” trusted in him, and he ran for president to build a better nation.

According to him, “every trip” and action he had taken since assuming office has been done in our country’s best interest and made a difficult decision to save Nigeria from fiscal catastrophe.

“The subsidy has been an unsustainable financial burden on Nigeria,” he reiterated, noting that the previous forex regime only benefitted a few powerful Nigerians.

Mr Tinubu said he was aware of conversations and debates centring on inflation and living costs.

“I hear the groans of Nigerians who work hard to care for their families,” he stated, adding that he was not oblivious to their problems.

He urged Nigerians to be patient and resilient, stressing that “the time may be tough and rough, but take it from me: tough times never last.”

Mr Tinubu also admitted that his government had been unable to rein in insecurity across Nigeria.

“We can’t beat our chests,” the president said about solving all insecurity challenges.

He disclosed that the country was working with Siemens to ensure a regular electricity supply and further promote business competitiveness.

Mr Tinubu promised to close the widening gaps in inequality in Nigeria.